For 28 years, the fun of “Taking the Train to Learning” is one of my fun experiences, as I head to Florida to host several thousand global learning colleagues.

Why take the train? Sitting and sleeping in the train as America is seen from the window with the rolling and rocking along the tracks is a relaxing and energizing wind up for the role of being the host and curator of Learning 2018.

There is a wide diversity of passengers on the train. Some who hate to fly (which I actually quite enjoy), some taking a less expensive route across America, some retired and some college students from Europe on a state-by-state journey.

My trip on the train provides an opportunity to take a look at the changes that have happened in learning over the past 28 years.

My earliest conference was “Computer Training & Support”. We gathered together the thousands of computer trainers, help desk managers, and tech folks preparing the workforce for a computer-rich workplace.

Then, there was the Y2K wave of prep. Millions of hours were allocated to training the workforce on what might happen when the calendar turned to the year 2,000.

TechLearn was my next edition of a learning conference. We welcomed the world of eLearning and leveraging the first wave of learning technologies. The conversations were about picking a good “e-authoring tool” and considering if a Learning Management System was needed in the workplace.

Learning 2018 is the third generation of my learning events. We have moved beyond the “e” conversation to explore a wider set of learning changes - as content, context, collaboration, compliance, tech innovation, and user experience mix with data analytics, AI, learner evolutions, immersive media, and more.

The train ride allows reflection about how our field is changing, how the technologies are evolving, and how our roles are expanding and flipping. I examine my own excitements, doubts, and confusions about the changing world of learning as the train rolls towards Orlando.

I have some work to do on the train. I am finalizing some of the interview topics for my time on stage with Former First Lady Laura Bush, Hamilton Actor Leslie Odom, Jr., and Author Dan Pink. Question generation flows nicely as we zoom past the front and back yards of towns along the way.

So, tonight I’ll be boarding the Silver Star in Raleigh for the trek to Orlando.

If you are coming to Learning 2018 - www.learning2018.com - I look forward to learning with you after the train ride. And, we will curate key content for Learning TRENDS readers afterwards.